What is Vanacof: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Oct 16, 2021  •  Published Oct 16, 2021

Vanacof overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Abanatuss PED, Abanatuss PED Drops, Abatuss DMX, Alahist CF, Alahist DM, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough, Bromfed DM Cough, Brotapp PE-DM, BroveX PB DM, BroveX PEB DM, BroveX PSB DM, BroveX PSE DM, Carbaphen CH, Children's Cold & Cough DM, Children's Cold and Cough

Generic Names:

  • Vanacof

Uses:

  • Treats sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihistamine/Antitussive/Decongestant Combination, Cold/Cough Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid, Packet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Vanacof come in

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Fizzy Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Packet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Vanacof doses?

  • Bottle 473ML of 30-1-12.5MG/5ML

Common Vanacof prescriptions

  • Vanacof
    473ml of 30-1-12.5mg/5ml bottle

How to take Vanacof

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Completely chew any chewable tablet before swallowing it. Swallow any other tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew.

  • Measure the oral liquid with a marked medicine spoon, oral syringe, medicine cup, or medicine dropper. You might need to shake the medicine before you use it.

  • If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vanacof

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Vanacof contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cough or cold medicine. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Vanacof warnings

  • Some brands of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label carefully or ask your pharmacist so you know what is in your product.

  • This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, seizure disorders, asthma, emphysema, an enlarged prostate, urinary blockage, or an overactive thyroid.

  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, fever, or thick yellow or green mucus, call your doctor.

  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the medicine label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Vanacof interactions

  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, fever, or thick yellow or green mucus, call your doctor.

  • This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Some brands of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label carefully or ask your pharmacist so you know what is in your product.

  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the medicine label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Vanacof side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • Trouble breathing

  • Severe headache

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

  • Trouble urinating

  • Nausea